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Buick · Known Issues

2005 Buick LaCrosse Problems: 4 Known Issues

2005 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2005 Buick LaCrosse has 4 documented known issues, with 4 rated critical. The most serious are Headlamp Driver Module Overheats and Kills Headlights (Recall 15V519000), Ignition Switch Can Rotate Out of Run With a Loaded Key Ring (Recall 14V355000), 3.8L V6 Lower Intake Manifold Gasket / Plastic Coolant Elbow Leaks ($300-$900 repair) and Intermittent Low-Beam Headlight Failure. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $300 to $900. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • LaCrosse Electrical3
  • LaCrosse Cooling1
  • Recalls6
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Electrical3
  • Cooling1
  • Recalls6
  • FAQ

All 4 Known Issues

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ALL YEARS2017201620152014201320122011201020092008200720062005

On the 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse, gM recalled the Buick LaCrosse under NHTSA campaign 15V519000 (GM number 14291) because the headlamp driver module (HDM) can overheat and fail. When the module fails, the headlamps and the daytime running lights stop illuminating. NHTSA notes that headlamps which do not come on reduce how well the driver can see the road ahead and how easily oncoming traffic can see the LaCrosse, raising the risk of a crash. The campaign as a whole covers roughly 429,170 vehicles across several GM, Isuzu and Saab models — that figure is campaign-wide and is not a count of LaCrosse sedans.

Common Symptoms

  • Headlamps do not illuminate
  • Daytime running lights do not illuminate
  • Loss of forward lighting at night

How to Fix

The repair is free. GM notified owners and dealers replace the headlamp driver module at no charge; the recall repair began May 17, 2016. Buick customer service can be reached at 1-800-521-7300, and GM's internal recall number is 14291. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm whether your LaCrosse is included and whether the HDM replacement was ever performed.

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Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse, nHTSA recall 14V355000 covers 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse sedans. On these cars the weight hanging on the key ring, combined with road conditions or some other jarring event, can move the ignition switch out of the run position while you are driving. GM's own guidance to LaCrosse owners is to strip the key ring down to nothing but the ignition key and to take the key fob off the ring as well until the recall work is done. The campaign is large - 3,141,731 vehicles across all makes and models included in it - and the LaCrosse is one of six GM vehicles named.

Common Symptoms

  • Engine shuts off unexpectedly while driving
  • Ignition key moves out of the run position
  • Loss of power steering assist after the engine stops
  • Loss of power brake assist after the engine stops

How to Fix

The remedy is free at any Buick dealer. The dealer installs two key rings and either an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on every ignition key for the vehicle, so the key hangs in a way that does not let weight tug the switch out of run. Owner notification began September 23, 2014. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm whether your LaCrosse still has this open, or call Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. In the meantime, drive with the ignition key alone on the ring.

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On the 2005-2008 Buick LaCrosse, first-generation LaCrosse/Allure owners filed a large number of NHTSA complaints about the low-beam headlights cutting off intermittently while driving, then sometimes coming back on. This is one of the single most-reported problems for the 2006 model year and a recognized safety concern because of sudden loss of forward lighting at night.

Common Symptoms

  • Low-beam headlights turn off intermittently while driving
  • Headlights flicker
  • One or both headlights cut out then return
  • Loss of forward lighting at night

How to Fix

Diagnose the headlight wiring, the underhood bussed electrical center/relays, and the headlamp switch/connectors for heat damage and loose terminals; repair or replace affected harness connectors and relays. Some owners resolve it by replacing corroded headlamp socket connectors.

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On the 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse, first-generation LaCrosse models with the GM 3.8L (Series III) V6 commonly develop lower intake manifold gasket leaks, and the plastic coolant elbow at the water pump deforms from heat and leaks. Coolant loss can lead to overheating; in severe upper-intake cases coolant can enter a cylinder and hydro-lock the engine. This is a well-documented age/heat-related failure on this engine family.

Common Symptoms

  • Coolant smell and slow coolant loss
  • Visible coolant leak near intake / water pump
  • Overheating
  • Low coolant warning
  • White exhaust smoke or hydro-lock in severe cases

How to Fix

Replace the lower intake manifold gaskets with GM's revised gasket (higher-temp rubber with metal coolant-passage inserts) and swap the plastic coolant elbows for metal Dorman replacements. Pressure-test the cooling system and inspect for oil/coolant intermixing during the repair.

Typical repair cost:$300 - $900

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NHTSA Recalls6 recalls

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix, 2006-2009 Buick LaCrosse, 2006-2007 Buick Rainier, Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT, GMC Envoy XL, 2006-2008 Isuzu Ascender, and Saab 9-7x vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the headlamp driver module (HDM) may overheat and fail, causing the headlamps and daytime running lights to not illuminate.

Campaign #15V51900014/08/2015

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse, 2006-2011 Buick Lucerne, 2000-2005 Cadillac DeVille, 2006-2011 Cadillac DTS, 2006-2014 Chevrolet Impala, and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the weight on the key ring and road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.

Campaign #14V35500023/06/2014

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Buick LaCrosse problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2005 Buick LaCrosse has 4 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Headlamp Driver Module Overheats and Kills Headlights (Recall 15V519000), Ignition Switch Can Rotate Out of Run With a Loaded Key Ring (Recall 14V355000), 3.8L V6 Lower Intake Manifold Gasket / Plastic Coolant Elbow Leaks. Of these, 4 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Buick LaCrosse reliable?

The 2005 Buick LaCrosse has 4 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 4 issues are rated critical: Headlamp Driver Module Overheats and Kills Headlights (Recall 15V519000) and Ignition Switch Can Rotate Out of Run With a Loaded Key Ring (Recall 14V355000) and 3.8L V6 Lower Intake Manifold Gasket / Plastic Coolant Elbow Leaks and Intermittent Low-Beam Headlight Failure. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Buick LaCrosse problems?

Repair costs for known Buick LaCrosse issues range from $300 to $900, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse Headlamp Driver Module Overheats and Kills Headlights (Recall 15V519000)?

GM recalled the Buick LaCrosse under NHTSA campaign 15V519000 (GM number 14291) because the headlamp driver module (HDM) can overheat and fail. When the module fails, the headlamps and the daytime running lights stop illuminating. NHTSA notes that headlamps which do not come on r… Severity: high.

What is the 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse Ignition Switch Can Rotate Out of Run With a Loaded Key Ring (Recall 14V355000)?

NHTSA recall 14V355000 covers 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse sedans. On these cars the weight hanging on the key ring, combined with road conditions or some other jarring event, can move the ignition switch out of the run position while you are driving. GM's own guidance to LaCrosse ow… Severity: high.

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, automotive forums, and AI-assisted research. No aggregated owner-report counts available for this vehicle yet.

DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEMENT USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. A POTENTIAL MATERIAL OR DESIGN DEFECT COULD RESULT IN THE STEERING KNUCKLE BREAKING IN THE HUB AREA.

Campaign #09E00500017/02/2009

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE FUEL TANK IS MISSING THE ADHESIVE LAYER THAT BONDS THE BARRIER LAYER TO THE OUTER SHELL OF THE FUEL TANK.

Campaign #06V41900031/10/2006

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE CLIP THAT SECURES THE BRAKE PUSHROD TO THE BRAKE PEDAL ARM PIN COULD HAVE BEEN BENT WHEN IT WAS INSTALLED. A BENT CLIP MAY COME OFF, ALLOWING THE BRAKE BOOSTER PUSHROD TO SEPARATE FROM THE BRAKE PEDAL.

Campaign #05V15600020/04/2005

+ 1 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

What is the 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse 3.8L V6 Lower Intake Manifold Gasket / Plastic Coolant Elbow Leaks?

First-generation LaCrosse models with the GM 3.8L (Series III) V6 commonly develop lower intake manifold gasket leaks, and the plastic coolant elbow at the water pump deforms from heat and leaks. Coolant loss can lead to overheating; in severe upper-intake cases coolant can enter… Repairs typically run $300-$900. Severity: high.

What is the 2005-2008 Buick LaCrosse Intermittent Low-Beam Headlight Failure?

First-generation LaCrosse/Allure owners filed a large number of NHTSA complaints about the low-beam headlights cutting off intermittently while driving, then sometimes coming back on. This is one of the single most-reported problems for the 2006 model year and a recognized safety… Severity: high.